• Former Kaduna gov seeks credible opposition to address Nigeria’s challenges
• ‘Nothing good will come out of Tinubu’s administration’
• South-East traditional rulers pledge 70% support for Tinubu in 2027
Undeterred by recent high-profile defections from the opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former APC National Vice Chairman Salihu Lukman yesterday continued their rhetoric aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Ironically, their separate statements coincided with the atmosphere of celebrations in Asaba, Delta State, where APC chieftains nationwide officially welcomed Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and others.
El-Rufai called for a credible alternative opposition party to rescue Nigeria from what he described as an existential crisis. The former governor, who recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said Nigerians are yearning for a new political direction.
Addressing journalists, he lamented that the country has suffered 16 years under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the current APC administration, adding that the SDP offers a fresh political ideology. He identified godfatherism and a lack of internal democracy as significant problems plaguing Nigerian politics. He accused the PDP of being designed to fail and claimed that the APC has been hijacked by a few individuals.
Clarifying the SDP’s position on alliances, El-Rufai stated that the party has no intention of merging with the PDP or any other party. Instead, it seeks to unite ousted members of various opposition parties to form a strong front against the APC.
“APC has run the country for 10 years, and most people want something different—a new brand of politics, governance, and leadership. The APC started well but has been pocketed by one or two people. We want to avoid that,” he said.
El-Rufai dismissed fears that the APC’s dominance would overwhelm opposition parties, stating that reports of mass defections of governors and lawmakers to the APC were exaggerated. He argued that individuals defecting to the ruling party would not dictate election outcomes, as Nigerians, not governors, hold the power to choose their leaders.
The former governor expressed concern over the nation’s worsening economic situation and warned that the current administration’s policies could threaten Nigeria’s survival.
El-Rufai stressed his willingness to support any candidate capable of offering solutions to Nigeria’s problems and inspiring voters, regardless of the candidate’s background or affiliation.
“I want a candidate and a ticket that will do two things: provide solutions to Nigeria’s problems and excite Nigerians enough to vote and defeat the APC government that is taking the country backwards. Power shift was championed in the past, but where has it led us? We need to prioritise fixing the country,” he said.
For his part, Lukman declared loss of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. He expressed doubts about the president’s ability to achieve meaningful progress before the end of his tenure in May 2027.
Speaking as a guest on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Lukman said he no longer views Tinubu as the progressive leader he once believed him to be, contrasting Tinubu’s current governance style with his time as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007.
“For you to even expect something very wonderful to happen before May 2027, I will say you are a dreamer. I wish you luck in your dream, but if it happens, it will be a pleasant surprise,” Lukman said.
He added, “For me, I have reached the conclusion that I don’t think anything good is going to come out, which is why we have to start organising. This country can be fixed in our lifetime, and I pray to God to give us the strength and courage to engage our leaders.”
Lukman revealed he had supported Tinubu until July 2023 but withdrew his backing, citing the president’s increasingly isolated leadership style. He lamented that even within the APC, access to Tinubu has been limited.
Reflecting on Tinubu’s governance, Lukman said he initially believed the president would address the failures of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. However, he argued that Tinubu’s leadership has made Buhari “appear like a hero.”
Lukman emphasised the need for a new political coalition to address the challenges facing the nation. He urged Nigerians to work towards building a political framework that prioritises meaningful change over business as usual.
“We owe it to Nigerians,” Lukman said. “It is possible to fix this country in our lifetime.”
MEANWHILE, Oborevwori, Okowa, state legislators, local government council chairmen, and other stakeholders were formally received into the APC at the Cenotaph in Asaba yesterday. The event, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and 16 APC governors, drew hundreds of party faithful from across Delta’s 25 councils.
The venue became a hive of activity, with the overwhelming turnout causing a stampede in which three individuals collapsed. Medical personnel at the scene revived two of the affected persons, while a young man was rushed to the hospital via an ambulance stationed at the venue.
Vice President Shettima described the mass defection as historic, referring to it as a political tsunami in the South-South region. He praised the defectors, including Governor Oborevwori, his cabinet, and local stakeholders, for their decision to join the ruling party.
“We welcome you not as defectors but as brothers and sisters, not as guests but as co-owners of this party. We believe in progress, accountability, openness, and transparency,” Shettima said, adding that the APC continues to grow stronger despite early scepticism about its prospects.
National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, called on Oborevwori to take full control of APC structures in Delta State, reiterating that the party’s constitution designates state governors as party leaders.
In his acceptance speech, Oborevwori stated that joining the APC was a strategic move, describing it as a “movement.” He added, “What you are seeing here is a movement. Mr President has shown us love, and we must reciprocate that love from within the party.”
Ganduje commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, which he said continues to deliver positive results. He also lauded the cordial relationship between Governor Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, which has fostered political stability in Delta State.
SIMILARLY, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, attributed the recent wave of defections to the APC to President Tinubu’s exceptional leadership. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nsa Gill, Otu described Oborevwori’s defection as a bold response to the demand for transformative leadership in Delta State, the Niger Delta, and the nation.
He noted that Cross River, once the sole APC-governed state in the South-South, now proudly shares its progressive status with Delta and Edo States. He hailed this political realignment as a significant milestone for the region, spurred by President Tinubu’s focus on trust, infrastructure, and economic rejuvenation.
Describing the defection as historic, Otu highlighted the inclusion of Okowa and key PDP structures, calling it a catalyst for enhanced regional collaboration and development.
As Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Otu urged Oborevwori and his team to leverage their experience and grassroots influence to strengthen the APC’s efforts in the region. “Your decision reflects your commitment to governance, development, and national unity,” he said.
Welcoming Oborevwori to the APC, Otu expressed confidence in their shared resolve to deliver democratic dividends and advance President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “Together, we shall chart a new course of greatness for our region and our nation,” he concluded.
RELATEDLY, traditional rulers from across Igbo land in the South East have vowed to deliver at least 70 per cent of the region’s votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Operating under the aegis of the Ndi Igbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Council, the monarchs, led by their chairman, His Royal Majesty Eze Nnamdi Oforegbu of Abia State, made the pledge during a courtesy visit to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, in Umuahia, Abia State.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Eze Oforegbu expressed their gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which they believe will catalyse infrastructure development in the region.
The monarchs also praised Deputy Speaker Kalu for sponsoring the bill that led to the creation of the SEDC. They offered royal blessings and prayers for his continued political success.
“We are here to thank you. You’re doing more than we expected. We’ve never seen this kind of good work before,” Eze Oforegbu said. “We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for appointing our sons and brothers as the pioneer heads of the SEDC. As you promoted our brothers, God will also raise you above your imagination.
“We assure Mr President of at least 70 per cent of our votes in the next election. We see all you’re doing, and we are fully behind you,” he added.
In his response, Deputy Speaker Kalu thanked the traditional rulers for their support and reiterated his belief in President Tinubu’s inclusive leadership.
“The President is an example of loyalty and a rewarder of loyalty. If you give him a cup of water, even ten years later, he will remember and reward you,” Kalu said.
“For eight years before him, the South East did not occupy any significant leadership position. Yet, President Tinubu gave us the Deputy Speakership, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Works—key roles vital to national development.”
